Resources: Where to go, how to help mudslide victims

Below is a list of verified ways to help those affected by the Oso mudslide. Be careful if you are approached to give money to organizations you haven't heard of. State officials warn that scam artists might try to take advantage of the situation by posing as legitimate charities. The Secretary of State has more advice on donating wisely on its website; the governor's website also has information about this and much more.Where to donate

Red Cross: If you wish to help victims of the Oso mudslide, cash donations are preferred. The American Red Cross is no longer collecting items. Go to the Red Cross of Snohomish County at www.redcross.org/snoco to donate. People also can text "RedCross" to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

United Way has established a community-wide recovery fund to assist those affected by the mudslide. Information on how to donate is at www.uwsc.org. Checks may be sent to: United Way of Snohomish County, Attn: Finance Dept., 3120 McDougall Ave., Ste. 200, Everett, WA 98201.

The Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation is a local organization that is giving 100 percent of donations directly to those affected. The Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington treated several victims in the aftermath of the mudslide. Donate at this site or by phone at 360-435-2133, ext. 7805. You can drop off/mail donations to 330 S. Stillaguamish Ave. in Arlington or donate to the fund through an account at any Union Bank.

A special Mudslide Relief Campaign has been organized by the Community Fund Drive, state government's workplace giving program that invites state and higher education employees to give to the charity of their choice. For information, go to www.cfd.wa.gov.

TheFamily Support and Research Center is in direct contact with Darrington families providing resources that will support them long term. The funds are also distributed by a team of school board members and community leaders. 360-436-0308. 1078 Fir Street, Darrington, WA 98241.

KeyBank Stanwood is raising money for Amanda Skorjanc, a teller, and her 6-month-old baby, who were both seriously injured and are hospitalized. They lost their home, belongings and car. KeyBank has opened a contribution account to benefit Amanda and her family. 360-629-6489.

Gas cards for the long commutes many Darrington residents now face can be donated by mailing checks with "gas card" on the memo line to PO Box 90 Darrington WA 98241. Jesse Jones of KING 5 is promoting the effort.

The Darrington Food Bank is accepting donations but would like people to call ahead of time so they can coordinate drop off and storage of donations. 360-436-1833.

The Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue K9 Team is taking donations through their website or mailed to 5506 Old Machias Rd., Snohomish, WA 98290.

The Granite Falls High School ASB Leadership Class has been collecting monetary donations for the American Red Cross to help support those who have been affected by the disaster. These will be collected at the front office of the high school. Please contact Debbie Lindahl at 360-691-7713.

The city of Darrington has said that people looking to donate by mail can send a check made out to "North Counties Relief Fund" at Coastal Community Bank. PO Box 90, Darrington, WA 98241.

Students and staff at Twin City Elementary are collecting coins for a penny drive and hosting a Non-Perishable and Canned Food Drive. The public is invited to drop off donations until 12 p.m. on April 4. 26211 72nd Ave. NW, Stanwood.

Businesses pitching in

Cabela's is hosting a barbecue fundraiser at its Tulalip store on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The store is at 9810 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip. All proceeds will go to the American Red Cross.

The Pazzaz Hair Design salon on N. Olympic Avenue downtown is giving money from each haircut to victims. 360-435-2975.

Pilchuck Espresso in Granite Falls will donate all of its sales on Monday, March 31 to North County Family Services to distribute to mudslide victims. The donation will be made through Coastal Community Bank in Darrington. The coffee stand is scheduled to be open 4 a.m.-6 p.m. that day. 19027 Highway 92, Granite Falls, WA 98252.

Diamond Knot will donate 50 percent of sales at all locations on March 31. It will also host a Mystery Auction with completely random items found at Diamond Knot. The auctions at the Brewery & Alehouse in Mukilteo and the new Brewpub in Mountlake Terrace will begin at 6 p.m.

On April 1, Tuscano's Italian Kitchen in Monroe will be having a disaster relief fundraiser. The waitstaff will beb donating all of their tips and Tuscano's will be contributing the night's profits to several local charities. 5-9 p.m. 14919 North Kelsey St., Monroe, WA.

On April 2, Scuttlebutt Brewing Co. will be donating all of their proceeds from pints sales to the Oso community and the Red Cross Local Disaster Relief Fund. They will have happy hour prices all day and will accept donations. 1205 craftsman way #101, Everett, WA 98201.

Fred Meyer and QFC locations in Snohomish County have changed their checkstand coin boxes to benefit the American Red Cross for the next two weeks. QFC customers can also donate through checkstand scan cards.

Lowe's has activated its American Red Cross customer donation program in all Washington stores to provide a convenient place for customers to make financial donations. The program will be in effect until April 27.

Arlington Acupuncture is providing free treatments to all rescue and recovery workers involved in the Oso slide. All other new incoming patients will receive an initial evaluation and treatment for just $19. Promotion ends April 30. Suite A, 20218 77th Ave NE.

There is an ongoing fundraiser at the Stump Bar & Grill, 19711 Smokey Point Blvd., Arlington, WA 98223. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 100 percent of food sales go to Oso.

Haggen will be collecting donations for the Red Cross at its stores all month.

A benefit on March 29 at Sidekicks in Everett will feature live music and an auction. The event is at 8 p.m. More info here and at 425-244-3247.

SNOPAC 911 is holding a fundraising event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. pn March 29 at the Everett Police Department South Precinct, 1121 SE Everett Mall Way. They will be collecting cash donations and gas cards. They will continue to collect gas cards at the same location until April 4. All proceeds and gas cards will be given to the American Red Cross. Call 425-407-3911 for more information.

Sound Harley-Davidson and Puget Sound Harley Owners Group are hosting a benefit BBQ for the Red Cross from noon to 3 p.m. on March 29. Checks are encouraged and can be made out to the Red Cross. Cash donations will also be accepted. 16212 Smokey Point Blvd., Marysville, WA 98271. 360-454-5000.

A portion of beer and chili sales on March 29 at Birdsview Brewing Co. in Concrete will be donated. The proceeds will be split between the Darrington Food Bank and the Darrington Community Center. Live music at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., with a BBQ at 5 p.m. Challenger Ridge Winery will be on site selling their wine and donating a portion of the proceeds. Canned food, blankets and clothing will be collected.

Students of all martial arts schools are invited to participate and collect pledges at a Kick-a-Thon at Carter Satori Karate on March 31 at 6:00 p.m. On April 2 at 6:00 p.m., members of the community are invited to a Kid-Art Plus sale, where students will sell their art and other items they would like to donate. 22811 100th Ave. West, Edmonds, WA.

There will be a spaghetti dinner benefit at Lake Tyee from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on April 5. Live music. $10 for adults, $5 for kids 5 and under. 4571 Burpee Hill Road, Concrete, WA.

The Oso Strong Benefit will be at Rhodes River Ranch on April 5 at 3 p.m. Live music from Johnny Green & The Pack String, Jesse Taylor, Jody Taylor and Pete Frothingham. 22016 Entsminger Road, Arlington.

There will be a "Blues for the Slide" benefit concert and auction at Cedar Stump in Arlington on April 6. An online fundraiser is raising money in the meantime. 19711 Smokey Point Blvd, Arlington, WA 98223.

An art auction and concert are planned for 1 p.m. April 6 at Heart of Anacortes, Fourth and O avenues in Anacortes. Call 360-293-3515 for more information.

The Marysville YMCA is having a family bike ride with proceedings benefiting Oso on Saturday, April 9. Register here.

The Spring Fling Fashion Show in Darrington now will be a fundraiser for the slide victims. The event is set for 5:30 to 8 p.m. April 12 and is $5 per person. Darrington youth will model fashions alongside an auction. Snacks and nonalcoholic drinks will be served. For tickets, call 425-320-6996.

The Department of Social and Health Services is bringing services to those in need via its Mobile Community Services Office. Hours on Wednesday are 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Operations began Tuesday in Darrington to support clients who need basic assistance and are unable to get to Everett or Smokey Point DSHS offices. For information, call 877-501-2233.

The Washington State Department of Revenue is offering help to businesses and property owners in the Oso mudslide area. Businesses affected by the slide that cannot file and pay their excise tax returns on time should contact Revenue to request a filing extension before the filing deadline. Revenue can also offer a penalty waiver for qualified businesses who were unable to file an extension request before the taxes were due. Revenue has prepared a property tax webpage with more information for property owners.

People or businesses that have found a lost or abandoned dog or cat in the area of the slide are asked to bring the animal to the Everett Animal Shelter or to contact the shelter at 425-257-6000 to provide information about the animals. If you need assistance with transporting the animals, contact Snohomish County Animal Control at 425-388-3440.

The Northwest Equine Stewardship Center is having an "Equine Relief Effort" through Paypal. Donations provide supplies to those that are caring for horses who have lost their owners in the mudslide.

UnitedHealth Group is offering free counseling to anyone affected by the mudslide. The service is open to anyone, regardless of insurance. Mental health specialists help people manage their stress and anxiety. Callers may also receive referrals to community resources to help them with specific concerns, including financial and legal matters. The toll-free number, 866-342-6892, will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for as long as necessary.

Free counseling is available from the Red Cross around the clock at 800-985-5990, or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746.

HousingDue to road closures, the daily commute to work for some Darrington residents can take as long as four hours. If you have an extra room/space available or a place you would be willing to rent for these individuals who may be of need, then please contact the Darrington Joint Resource Center at 425-583-9887.Reminders

If you have missing loved ones or need to get in touch to confirm you are OK, call the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management at 425-388-5088 or go to www.safeandwell.org.

A new email has been set up in addition to the hotline. People with missing loved ones also can send info to DEMcallcenter@snoco.org. They should provide as much information as possible, including pictures and descriptions of identifying features, such as tattoos.

The Darrington and Arlington school district schedules are affected. Make sure to follow changes to school hours and bus routes.

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